Tremendous Rice Terraces Around the World

The construction of Rice Terraces date back to ancient times. This method of growing rice has allowed Chinese farmers to cultivate sloped, hilly and mountainous land. Modern rice growers may prefer the use of advanced mechanic tools, but in Chinese countrysides untouched by modernization, the act of growing rice remains labor intensive— done without the aid of machinery. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, rice terraces carry many benefits that help preserve land, soil, small ecosystems and weaken China’s increasing reliance on heavy machinery.

Seeing one rice terraces in China, it seems that rice cultivation in this country by means of landscape design.

Construction of the rice terraces began in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). They are the culmination of deep wisdom and hard work. And what titles have viewing platforms around the rice terraces in China: “Nine Dragons and five tigers”, “Seven Stars around the Moon” … Here they are called “the most beautiful in the world” and “only under the clouds.”

Like rice? Rice is a staple in many countries. Terraced paddy fields are very common in rice farming where the land is hilly or mountainous. Terraced rice fields helps to decrease erosion and work well for rice crops which need to be grown in a flooded area. Terraced paddy fields are built into steep hillsides by intense physical labor, sometimes by using a water buffalo to help in the wetlands. While terraced rice fields are a common sight in third-world countries, it is an uncommon sight for many of us.

The rice planting starts in February and continues through March. By this time, spring mountain water fills up the terraced paddy fields. Rice ripens by September and so the harvesting begins. The landscape of rice terraces changes throughout the year, in accordance with the agricultural cycle.

Despite its stunning beauty, Yunnan province does not suffer from mass tourism. The lack of a nearby airport, bad roads, and remote mountain ridges prevent a great number of people from coming here. However, this is exactly what helps preserve the pristine beauty of this landscape.

Reflections of the clouds at sunset over the rice terraced mountains of the Hani people in Yuanyang County, Yunnan, China, in wintertime, when the paddies are left filled with water until planting in Spring. Photo by Takeaway

Mountain of Rice – Philippines. Photographers noted, “These rice terraces that follow the contours of the mountain had been here for roughly 2,000 years. Dubbed as the eight wonder of the world, these rice terraces are carved out of rocky mountainsides in most of the Cordillera Provinces — following sacred traditions and skill passed on to generations. On the average, these rice terraces are 1,500 meters above sea level.” Photo by Storm Crypt